MasterCard Extends PGA Alliance

MasterCard International has signed a four-year extension of its sponsorship agreement with the Professional Golfers Association Tour.

MasterCard became a corporate sponsor of the PGA Tour in 1996, the same year it became title sponsor of the MasterCard Colonial golf tournament. The Colonial, one of four invitation-only PGA Tour events, is played at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth.

"Our partnerships in golf have a significant impact on our business, as they enable us to reach millions of cardholders who recognize and appreciate our support for the game," said Alan Heuer, president, U.S. region, MasterCard.

The card association's deal with the golf organization also includes rights to the Senior PGA Tour. Senior golf pro Tom Watson will continue to appear in MasterCard advertising and promotions.

For the 1999-2002 title sponsorship of the MasterCard Colonial, MasterCard will get choice advertising slots during and around CBS' television broadcast.

"MasterCard's support goes well beyond the scope of the agreement," said Phil Thomas, tournament chairman, MasterCard Colonial. "We hope to make at least $1 million in local charitable contributions in each of the next four years."

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